Five 2024 Free Agent Forwards Nashville Predators should target on July 1

Elias Lindholm

Just two years ago, Lindholm was thought of as one of the best centers in the league and was on track to receive a true blockbuster contract when the time came. If he would have stayed that way, it does not mean he could not have fit with the Predators come the present day, but regardless, the discussion around him is very different now.

Lindholm has been steadily declining in all areas since scoring 42 goals in 2021-22, and his base production this year was the lowest it had been since his days in Carolina. He performed well in the playoffs, which will help out his chances of getting paid, but his value is unquestionably lower than it was in the recent past.

That being said, it would still be worth it for the Predators to inquire about Lindholm, because there are areas in which he could provide legitimate help. Trotz has specifically mentioned the center position as one that he wants to add more talent to, and of course, that is Lindholm's position.

He makes almost all of his offensive living at the net front and slot areas, which plays into his natural abilities to be physical and shoot the puck well. He is also known for his defensive play and was top ten in Selke Trophy voting in each of the past two years before the most recent one, and he finished second in 2021-22.

At his very best, he is a true 200-foot player, and guys like that will always be highly sought after. Of course though, the question is whether or not he will return to those levels, and that makes him one of the biggest mysteries in this free agency cycle.

He will be on the latter side of 29 heading into 2024-25, so it is not like he is at an age where his career should be almost over. It really does feel like it will be a gut thing with Lindholm where GM's will have to decide if they think he can bounce back or not, and the Predators will have to watch the market and see if it makes sense to sign him.

A recent report is that he just turned down a deal to re-sign in Vancouver for 7 years at $7M per year, and if that is actually what Trotz is up against, he should stay away. But if he has the opportunity to sign Lindholm to a bridge deal, which seems much more appropriate, then why not take a flier knowing the great player he has been in the past?